The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received more than 4,000 reports to date regarding concerns about drywall safety.
The reports were from citizens who believe that health symptoms or the corrosion of metal components in their home are related to problem drywall.
Problem Drywall Concerns
The most common issues reported so far are:
- “Rotten egg” smell within the home
- Irritated and itchy eyes and skin
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent cough
- Bloody or runny noses
- Recurring headaches
- Asthma attacks
- Sinus infections
Additionally, consumers reported that metal components in their homes were becoming blackened and corroded. Some reported that they frequently had to replace components in their air conditioning units.
The affected homes were most often built from 2006-2007. Many of the reports were for homes in Florida and Louisiana, where a lot of new construction occurred after the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005. However, there were reports of problem drywall in Indiana and many other states.
What to Do if You Suspect Problem Drywall
CPSC has created guidance to help you identify problem drywall. If a visual inspection shows blackened copper electrical wiring/air conditioning evaporator coils as well as drywall that was installed between 2001-2009, you’ll need to look for corroborating evidence as described in the CPSC documentation. Then you can follow CPSC steps for remediation.
CPSC hasn’t issued a recall for the drywall because there is not a substantial product hazard to warrant a recall based on current evidence.
While this issue hasn’t resulted in a recall, other product safety concerns frequently do. If you suspect that a defective product has caused an injury or put your family in danger, contact an experienced attorney. Reporting defective product concerns can help prevent issues from continuing to cause injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
